Is the politics of fear spreading?

[Moonliner]

We all know that the Bush administration has used the politics of fear to push their unconstitutional agenda on America and now it looks like others are starting to use the same playbook.

Take the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Back at the start of the 2005 season (May 16th) they predicted a 2005 season that would be just slightly above average. 7-9 Hurricanes when 6 is average and 3-5 majors when 2 are average. There were actually 15 hurricanes and 7 majors last year.

So we now move on to 2006. Guess what? This year the May predictions were for an extremely busy year 8-10 Hurricanes with 5 majors (remember 2 is average). Ohhh hold on to your hats everyone it's going to be a scary year.

Now here we are in late August and guess what? Nadda. The weather service has been denigrated to reporting on depressions just forming off the coast of Africa that could in a week or two become a real storm due to the lack of any real activity to report on.

So what does NOAA do? Revise their forecast and say, "Hey it looks like this year is not going to be soooo bad after all?" Might they perhaps admit that at least a few people who live along the coast of the US might actually survive the year? Nope. That would reflect reality which of course does not support the politics of fear that keeps them budget dollars rolling in. So rather than a statement of facts based on valid scientific observations we get sensationalist headlines like: "Hurricane chief foresees 'mega-disaster'" That's right. Screw scientific observations and theory, and go right to the fear card. Woo hoo that'll get the American public jumping and and down just begging congress to toss you more cash. Well done Mr. Mayfield. Your budget is safe for another season. I can't wait to read your 2007 season forecast, I'm sure it will rank as one the of best fictional disasters stories ever!